A new location in Norwich and a new theme is fueling excitement among actors and producers connected with the Connecticut Renaissance Faire.

About 25 actors auditioned Saturday for a play centered on King Henry VIII of Great Britain and at least two of his six wives. King Arthur had been the focus of the play for the past several years, with its production held at the Hebron Fairgrounds. The new script covers the romances of Henry and his children, including his eldest child, Mary, who later became queen.

The changes, combined with the production’s move to Dodd Stadium in Norwich, are building enthusiasm among performers, especially those from Eastern Connecticut.

“I would love to be the queen, but I’ll accept another role if that’s what they need me for,” said Jenna Bullock Eckman, of Mystic, who is an occupational therapist at The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich.

Bullock Eckman is in the running for the part of Queen Catherine of Aragon, King Henry’s first wife and mother of Queen Mary Tudor. Henry broke with the Catholic Church of Rome over his desire to have his marriage to Catherine annulled because she failed to produce a male heir and established the Protestant Church of England.

Saturday’s tryouts were held at Risom Mill in Danielson.

Jennifer Quinn, a 2001 Norwich Free Academy graduate who now lives in Windsor, said she is excited that the play will be produced in Norwich.

“There is some extra motivation there,” she said.

Actors from Danielson, Jewett City, and Uncasville were among those that tried out in the first of two rounds before a panel consisting of Entertainment Director Paul Strickney, Costumer C.J. Landram, and Stage Combat Director Cliff Allen. Actors from New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont also were among those auditioning Saturday. The second round is July 27.

“It’s a whole different milieu,” said Strickney, who is based in the Boston area. “King Arthur is a very noble type of play. Henry VIII is much different. He is wildly passionate.”

A new set of costumes will be more alluring than those in the King Arthur productions yet accurately reflect the social mores of the early Tudor monarchy, Strickney said.

The play will recreate a 16th-century English harvest festival, including jousting knights and live-flight falconry demonstrations, producers say.

A new choreographer and new stage manager are among the changes this year, Strickney said.

All types of actors and singers are being sought for the play, which begins Sept. 13. There are leading contenders for the top parts, such as King Henry, but all the roles are still open, Strickney said.

Some actors and actresses came in pairs or arrived separately at the same time to support each other.

Page 2 of 2 - Quinn sat across from Phil Tremblay of Portland, whom Quinn called “my best friend,” chatting amiably while the two waited their turns to audition.

“I’ve done other plays,” said Tremblay, explaning that he’s been acting since 2009, “but this one is real interesting. We’re going to give something fresh and new to the patrons.”